OUR TEAM

VIRTUE RECOVERY CENTER EXPERT & CARING TREATMENT STAFF
Gavin Pittaluga min

Gavin Pittaluga

Chief Operating Officer

Gavin is a solutions-focused leader that dives headfirst into solving complex deep-seating challenges, uncovering possibilities, and reframing thinking to capitalize on opportunities. He studied business management at the University of Alabama and has held sales, operational, and talent acquisition leadership positions for over 18 years in various industries. Bearing sophisticated communication skills, conducting years of work behavior analysis, and showcasing an ethical and participative management style that puts people first have shaped earning a reputation as a thought leader. He is equally analytical and visionary and takes pride in building culture, driving high retention while consistently having a successful track record within his department. Lastly, Gavin has always worked within organizations geared toward helping people, a mission that will continue throughout his career.

Gavin Pittaluga

Gavin studied business management at the University of Alabama and has 18+ years of experience across several verticals in talent acquisition and business development leadership. He successfully led the Western Region Business Development team at American Addiction Centers for the past 4.5 years and is excited to join us to continue carrying out our mission here at Virtue Recovery Center.

Gavin is a solutions-focused leader that dives headfirst into solving complex deep-seating challenges, uncovering possibilities and reframing thinking to capitalize on opportunities. He has held sales, operational, and talent acquisition leadership positions for over 18 years in a variety of diverse industries.

Bearing sophisticated communication skills, conducting years of work in behavior analysis, and showcasing an ethical and participative management style that puts people first have shaped earning a reputation as a thought leader. He is equally analytical and innovative—building culture and driving high retention while consistently having a successful track record within his department. Lastly, Gavin has always worked within organizations geared toward helping people, a mission that will continue throughout his career.

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Michael Banis min

Michael Banis

Chief Development Officer

Michael Banis is the Chief Development Officer of Virtue Recovery Centers. Michael has over a decade of substance abuse and management experience with a determined mindset and drive to help people, which comes from his personal experience in recovery and the desire to help those affected by substance use issues find a new way to live. Michael has assisted in developing and building programs in the Pacific Northwest and understands the needs of those suffering from addiction and mental health issues. His goal is to bring comprehensive care to people with his team recruited from around the country to bring a more mental health and trauma-informed approach to the addiction field. Michael advocates for treatment to be evidence-based and client-centered to better address each person’s individual needs and experience. Michael enjoys being hands-on with each person and family of those that come to Virtue. Active in the fellowship, he finds that we recover and knows it is something we should not miss.

Michael Morgan min

Michael Morgan

VA Care Coordinator/Senior Military-Veteran Liaison

Mike was in uniform for just under 30 years participating in multiple combat and operational deployments in Latin America, SE Asia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The first half of Mike’s military career was spent on the conventional side, then switched to an assignment with the US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In addition to Mike’s military service, both of Mike’s adult sons are currently serving in the Army. In 2014 Mike and his youngest son were both deployed to Afghanistan together.

Michael Morgan

Mike was in uniform for just under 30 years participating in multiple combat and operational deployments in Latin American, SE Asia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The first half of Mike's military career was spent on the conventional side, then switched to an assignment with the US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg North Carolina. In addition to Mike’s military service, both of Mike’s adult sons are currently serving in the Army. In 2014 Mike and his youngest son were both deployed to Afghanistan together.

Mike’s current passions are directed at supporting the community that has been so good to him the last 29 years. It saddens him to see so many of his Veteran family members take their lives, struggle everyday with addiction and mental health disorders then become houseless. Mike understands and knows there is more he can do to help and made the decision to join the team at Virtue Recovery Centers to have a direct impact on those that need support and assistance to navigate the process.

After retiring from the Army Mike participated in a Thru-Hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021, completing all 2653 miles sponsored by Warriors Expeditions. Earning the trail name “AWOL” Mike personally understands the significance and importance of outdoor therapy in helping military Veterans with PTSD. 

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Drue Seigerman min

Drue Seigerman

Drue Seigerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Drug Counselor. He received his first master’s degree in Human Services from Capella University and his second master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. As the Executive Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Drue has developed and implemented numerous programs to meet the needs of the mental health and addiction community. For over ten years, Drue has been an expert in the field of addictions and has presented at numerous national conferences on how to work with oppositional clients in the group setting. Drue has also been a guest speaker on several radio shows, including NBC discussing various behavioral health topics. As a previous Adjunct Professor at Raritan Valley Community College, Drue was able to extend his knowledge in the field of mental health and addictions to students seeking to obtain certification as an alcohol and drug counselor in the state of NJ. As a former New York City Police Officer, Drue brings a unique background to helping those in need. 

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Edle Burk min

Edle Burk

Clinical Director for Sun City West

Graduated with her Masters in Counseling from Northern Arizona University. She began her career working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in a crisis and outpatient setting. She transitioned to working with individuals struggling with eating disorders recognizing that their is such a need to provide quality services. The growth experienced as a clinician working with this population is something invaluable. Edle has taken those skills and has had the opportunity to be a part of the growth of new therapists in the field by providing clinical supervision.

Maria min

Maria T. Smith, LCSW

Clinical Director for Chandler

Maria has been in the behavioral health/mental health field for over 25 years. She has a Master of Social Work Degree from Arizona State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the State of Arizona. For the last 20 years her focus has been providing general mental health and substance abuse therapy to adolescents, adults, and families to assist them in reuniting with loved ones and maintaining them in the home.

Maria has also provided clinical supervision to other therapists and college interns to assist them in professional development. She has participated in providing training at conferences and webinars, reaching many people around the United States committed to helping others heal and find peace.

“Freedom, comfort, and peace – this is the vision I have for you and your family, as much as I have for myself. Let’s go on this journey together to help you become the best version of yourself.” -Maria T. Smith, LCSW

Justin Crawford min

Justin Crawford

VA Coordinator

Graduated with her Masters in Counseling from Northern Arizona University. She began her career working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in a crisis and outpatient setting. She transitioned to working with individuals struggling with eating disorders recognizing that their is such a need to provide quality services. The growth experienced as a clinician working with this population is something invaluable. Edle has taken those skills and has had the opportunity to be a part of the growth of new therapists in the field by providing clinical supervision.

Nikki Kirby min

Nikki Kirby

Director of Nutrition

Nikki has called Arizona home for over 18 years, however her family roots reside in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent most of her adolescent years with various moves around the country, but is happy to call the desert, her forever home. Nikki completed her undergraduate degree in Nutrition Dietetics at Arizona State University. Her dietetic internship was completed through Iowa State University. Nikki has a history of working in public health by providing care to mothers and their children. She served as a registered dietitian for an inpatient/residential/PHP program for three years.

Nikki has a passion for helping individuals find food freedom, work towards becoming intuitive eaters, canceling diet culture, and helping others believe in an all foods fit philosophy! Nikki earned her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist credential in 2022.
 
When she is not working she loves spending time with family and friends, enjoying the summer heat at the pool, trying new restaurants, or baking something fun in the kitchen!
Daniel Pacanowski min

Daniel Pacanowski

Executive Chef Sun City West and Chandler, Arizona

Chef Daniel has been perfecting his culinary skills in prestigious establishments across the valley for over 20 years. Daniel is an Arizona native and served in the ARMY. Daniel began his culinary career while studying under some of the Phoenix areas leading Chefs and restaurateurs. As a person in recovery, it is extremely rewarding and important to provide the highest quality of nutrition to others beginning their journey of wellness. Daniel’s goal is to share his experience, strength, and hope, with others who are struggling while being an example of how recovery can work in one’s life.